The Performing Arts Department hosted the Instrumental Music Solo Concert in Spaerstein Theater on Friday, January 23, 2026. This year was the longest Instrumental Solo Music Concert the Performing Arts Department has ever staged. The two-hour performance, with no intermission, featured 18 student soloists. Soloists were selected through a highly competitive audition process, which required candidates to fully memorize the piece and perform it before a judging panel.
The program highlighted a wide range of musical styles and technical abilities, with instruments including violin, piano, and tuba. Students began preparing months in advance, dedicating hours each week to refining technique, strengthening musicality, and building up the confidence to perform.
Solo cellist Elizabeth Kim ’30 said her preparation was a slow and steady process.
“My practice focused on building a solid foundation, slowly improving difficult passages, and trying to understand the musical style of the concerto,” Kim said. “I received lots of encouragement from my friends while preparing. Their support helped me to stay motivated and enjoy the process of learning, even when the piece felt challenging.”
Violin soloist Kenzie Koch ’30 performed“Winter” (L’inverno), I. Allegro non molto by Antonio Vivaldi. Koch said she initially had some difficulty keeping control and rhythm while playing cleanly during the faster sections of her piece.
“The most memorable moment was when I realized that all my hard work had paid off and I could enjoy the music during my performance,” Koch said. “I learned that hard work and preparation create a big impact, and discipline and patience lead to major improvements.”
The faculty played a significant role in assisting students prepare. Hiroyo Hatsuyama served as the piano accompanist for any student who wished to perform with accompaniment, offering two coaching sessions to each soloist, including one on stage.
Pedram Pourghazi, the Beginning and Concert Strings director and the performance’s program lead, said the concert’s success came from both the performers’ dedication and the community behind the scenes.
“The performances went very well and truly showcased each soloist’s talent, preparation, and dedication,” Pourghazi said. “Performing a classical solo on a large stage like Saperstein is no small feat. The students rose to the challenge and demonstrated both musical maturity and courage.”
Ultimately, the concert served not only as a showcase of musical talent but also as a celebration of dedication, discipline, and community within the music program.
“The level of commitment from both students and faculty continues to grow each year,” Pourghazi said. “This performance reflected that growth beautifully.”
